What still remains of the Hacienda Del Jaral de Berrio, which is one of the most emblematic and largest estates in Mexico. Located in the historic town of San Felipe Torres Mochas, Guanajuato, its origins date back to the late 16th century and the production of mezcal since 1764, is now being renovated. Within the estate of buckling floors and crumbling walls is an estate that is rich with History. The massive estate during its heyday throughout the 19th Century, the state housed approximately 6,500 people and boasted its own railroad station, a parish church, 2 primary schools and post office…

Mezcal comes from one of the most sacred plants in Mexico, agave! Cooking of the “pina” or the heart of the agave and fermenting its juice, the liquid called the “elixir of the gods”. Mezcal has now gained the attention of the world and sales have skyrocketed in the US with triple digit growth over the last few years.

I recently stumbled across this rare and unique mezcal called “Jaral de Berrio” and is produced under the same methods and are still bottled at the main compound of the Hacienda. Part of their unique production process, Jaral de Berrio is steamed, not smoked, which softens the heart of the agave with vapor before the grinding process, they do not use smoke in order to avoid any flavor contamination letting the true flavor notes of the Agave Salmiana to be fully present. It is a Joven (non-aged) and if you have never tried a non-Smokey Mezcal its quite different but truer in flavor.

“The family of Mezcal Jaral De Berrio is one of the most emblematic in the world due to its historic background, says Brady Bunte.”

Brady Bunte highly recommends Mezcal Jaral De Berrio and rates it a “92”! If you’re lucky enough to find it buy it! Mezcal Jaral De Berrio is just starting to export to the US so it’s a rare jewel to find right now and sells in the low $40 range.